CN112638653B

CN112638653B - Drawing method, thermosensitive recording medium, and drawing apparatus

Info

Publication number: CN112638653B
Application number: CN201980057710.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 星光成
Original assignee: Sony Corp
Current assignee: Sony Corp
Priority date: 2018-09-11
Filing date: 2019-08-07
Publication date: 2023-02-17
Anticipated expiration: 2039-08-07
Also published as: KR20210057023A; CN112638653A; JPWO2020054279A1; JP7322887B2; US11485147B2; US20220055375A1; WO2020054279A1; DE112019004537T5

Abstract

An embodiment according to the present disclosure is a drawing method to be performed on a thermosensitive recording medium including a recording layer containing a colorless pigment and a photothermal conversion agent that absorbs infrared-wavelength light, the drawing method including: performing rendering in a plurality of first regions each extending in one direction with a gap therebetween; and thereafter detecting recording states of the plurality of first areas, calculating a difference from the input image information, and performing rendering in a plurality of second areas each extending in the one direction and disposed at the gap between the plurality of first areas with a recording intensity determined based on the difference.

Description

Drawing method, thermosensitive recording medium, and drawing apparatus

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to: a drawing method to be performed on a thermosensitive recording medium containing, for example, a colorless pigment; a thermosensitive recording medium on which drawing is performed using a drawing method; and a drawing device.

Background

Recently, a thermosensitive recording medium including a recording layer containing a thermosensitive coloring composition and a photothermal conversion agent absorbing infrared light has been developed. As an example, a thermosensitive recording medium has been proposed in which a plurality of recording layers are included, the plurality of recording layers respectively include a photothermal conversion agent that absorbs infrared rays of different wavelengths, and by applying infrared laser light that matches the absorption wavelength of the photothermal conversion agent, the respective photothermal conversion agent absorbs the laser light so that the recording layer including the photothermal conversion agent develops color. However, in the case of performing recording on the above-described thermosensitive recording medium, there is a problem that there occurs a color tone deviation from an assumed image due to a change in a recording apparatus, a deviation from the design of the thermosensitive recording medium, or the like, so that display quality is degraded.

In contrast, for example,

patent documents

1 and 2 each disclose an image forming apparatus in which a measurement unit is provided in the apparatus, an image for gradation correction is output, image correction data is acquired from the image, and an image is written into a thermosensitive recording medium based on the image correction data.

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese patent application laid-open No. 2009-302669

Patent document 2: japanese patent application laid-open No. 2014-150515

Disclosure of Invention

Therefore, in the thermosensitive recording medium, improvement in display quality is desired.

It is desirable to provide a drawing method, a thermosensitive recording medium, and a drawing apparatus capable of improving display quality.

A drawing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is to be performed on a thermosensitive recording medium including a recording layer containing a leuco pigment and a photothermal conversion agent that absorbs infrared-wavelength light, the method including: performing rendering in a plurality of first regions each extending in one direction and having a gap therebetween; and thereafter detecting recording states of the plurality of first areas, calculating a difference from the input image information, and performing rendering in a plurality of second areas each extending in the one direction and located at a gap between the plurality of first areas with a recording intensity determined based on the difference.

A thermosensitive recording medium according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a recording layer containing a colorless pigment and a photothermal conversion agent that absorbs light of an infrared wavelength. The recording layer includes a plurality of first areas each extending in one direction with a gap therebetween, and a plurality of second areas each extending in the one direction and located at the gap between the plurality of first areas. A first color difference between the first region and the second region adjacent to each other on a straight line in another direction perpendicular to the one direction is larger than a second color difference between the plurality of first regions adjacent to each other on a straight line in the other direction.

The rendering apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: the image processing apparatus includes a light source unit, a scanner unit, a detection unit, and a correction unit. The light source unit emits a light beam. The scanner unit performs drawing by scanning the light beam emitted from the light source unit over a recording layer containing a colorless pigment and a photothermal conversion agent that absorbs infrared light to generate heat, a plurality of first regions each extending in one direction with a gap therebetween, and a plurality of second regions each extending in the one direction and disposed at the gaps between the plurality of first regions. The detection unit detects a recording state of the recording layer. The correction unit determines the recording intensity based on the result obtained by the detection unit. The scanner unit performs scanning in the plurality of first areas based on input image information, the detection unit detects a recording state of the plurality of first areas in which drawing has been performed by the scanner unit, and outputs the recording state of the plurality of first areas to the correction unit as image information of the plurality of first areas, the correction unit calculates a difference between the image information of the plurality of first areas input from the detection unit and the input image information, and determines recording intensity of drawing on the plurality of second areas based on the difference, and the scanner unit performs scanning in the plurality of second areas using the recording intensity determined by the correction unit.

According to the drawing method of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the thermosensitive recording medium of the embodiment of the present disclosure, and the drawing apparatus of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the following steps are performed on the thermosensitive recording medium including the recording layer containing the leuco pigment and the photothermal conversion agent that absorbs infrared-wavelength light to generate heat: performing rendering in the plurality of first regions based on input image information, the plurality of first regions each extending in the one direction with a gap therebetween; and thereafter detecting recording states of the plurality of first areas, calculating a difference from the input image information, and performing rendering in the plurality of second areas each extending in the one direction and disposed at a gap between the plurality of first areas with a recording intensity determined based on the difference. This reduces the color tone deviation from the input image information due to variations in recording apparatuses, deviations in the design of thermosensitive recording media, and the like. An image in which a first color difference between a first region and a second region adjacent to each other on a straight line in another direction perpendicular to the one direction is larger than a second color difference between the first regions adjacent to each other on a straight line in the other direction is drawn on the recording layer.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a flowchart of a plotting method to be performed on a thermosensitive recording medium according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view of a thermosensitive recording medium according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3 is a schematic sectional view of a configuration example of the thermosensitive recording medium shown in fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a system configuration example of a drawing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5 is an example of an input image.

Fig. 6A is a diagram illustrating a drawing image of the recording layer in step S101 of the drawing method illustrated in fig. 1.

Fig. 6B is a diagram illustrating a drawing image of the recording layer in step S104 of the drawing method illustrated in fig. 1.

Fig. 7 is a graph showing the gradations of respective blocks of the input image shown in fig. 5.

Fig. 8 is a characteristic diagram showing an example of variation in laser light intensity with respect to the main scanning direction.

Fig. 9 is a characteristic diagram showing an example of a change in the thickness of the recording layer with respect to the main scanning direction.

Fig. 10 is a diagram showing the gradations of the respective blocks in the first area drawn in step S101.

Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the gradations of the respective blocks in the second area drawn in step S104.

Fig. 12 is a characteristic diagram showing a relationship between laser light intensity and assumed and actual gradations.

Fig. 13 is a flowchart of a rendering method to be performed on a thermosensitive recording medium according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 14A is a diagram showing the gradations of the respective blocks in the first area drawn in step S201.

Fig. 14B is a diagram showing an example of the gradations of the respective blocks in the second area drawn in step S204.

Fig. 14C is a diagram showing an example of the gradation of each block in the third area drawn in step S207.

Fig. 15A is a diagram showing the gradations of the respective blocks in the first area drawn in step S201.

Fig. 15B is a diagram showing another example of the gradations of the respective blocks in the second area drawn in step S204.

Fig. 15C is a diagram showing another example of the gradations of the respective blocks in the third area drawn in step S207.

Fig. 16A is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of application example 1.

Fig. 16B is a perspective view showing another example of the appearance of application example 1.

Fig. 17A is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance (front side) of application example 2.

Fig. 17B is a perspective view showing an example of an appearance (rear side) of application example 2.

Fig. 18A is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of application example 3.

Fig. 18B is a perspective view showing another example of the appearance of application example 3.

Fig. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of application example 4.

Fig. 20A is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance (upper surface) of application example 5.

Fig. 20B is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance (side surface) of application example 5.

Detailed Description

Some embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description is directed to specific examples of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. Further, the present disclosure is not limited to the arrangement, dimensions, dimensional ratios, and the like of the components illustrated in the drawings. Note that description is made in the following order.

1. First embodiment (example of a rendering method including performing rendering in a first region and then performing rendering in a second region with a recording intensity determined based on a difference between a rendering image and an input image)

1-1. Construction of thermosensitive recording Medium

1-2 construction of drawing device

1-3. Method of drawing on thermosensitive recording medium

1-4. Action and Effect

2. Second embodiment (example in which recording intensity correction is performed two or more times)

3. Application examples 1 to 5

<1 > first embodiment >

A drawing method to be performed on a thermosensitive recording medium according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Fig. 1 shows a flow of a rendering method according to the present embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view of a thermosensitive recording medium (thermosensitive recording medium 100) on which drawing is performed using the drawing method shown in fig. 1. Fig. 3 schematically shows an example of a cross-sectional configuration of the thermosensitive recording medium 100 shown in fig. 2. Fig. 4 shows an example of a system configuration of a drawing apparatus (drawing apparatus 1) according to the present disclosure. It should be noted that the thermosensitive recording medium 100 shown in fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a cross-sectional configuration, and may have a size and a shape different from an actual size and an actual shape.

The drawing method performed on the thermosensitive recording medium 100 according to the present embodiment includes: performing rendering in a plurality of first areas A1, A2, \8230An, each extending in one direction (e.g. in the X-axis direction) with a gap therebetween, based on input image information; and then detecting a recording state of the first areas A1, A2, \8230An, calculating a difference from the input image information, and performing rendering in a plurality of second areas B1, B2, \8230An, with recording intensities determined based on the difference, the plurality of second areas B1, B2, \8230Anbeing disposed at gaps between the first areas A1, A2, \8230Anand each extending in the one direction. This forms a drawn image on the thermosensitive recording medium 100. The color difference (Δ Ea1-B1; first color difference) of the drawn image between A1 of the first area A1 and B1 of the second area B1 (e.g., A1 and B1 are adjacent to each other on a straight line in another direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the X-axis direction) is larger than the color difference (Δ Ea1-A2; second color difference) between A1 of the first area A1 and A2 of the first area A2 (e.g., A1 and A2 are adjacent to each other on a straight line in the Y-axis direction).

First, the thermosensitive recording medium 100 and the drawing device 1 will be described, and then a drawing method to be performed on the thermosensitive recording medium 100 will be described.

(1-1. Construction of thermosensitive recording Medium)

The thermosensitive recording medium 100 is a reversible recording medium that allows information to be reversibly recorded and deleted by heat, and, for example, a recording layer 112 capable of reversibly changing a recording state and a deletion state is provided on a supporting base 111. The recording layer 112 has, for example, the following configuration: three layers (a recording layer 112M, a recording layer 112C, and a recording layer 112Y) in which different color tones are developed from each other are sequentially stacked.

Intermediate layers

113 and 114 each including a plurality of layers (e.g., three layers) are provided between the recording layer 112M and the recording layer 112C and between the recording layer 112C and the recording layer 112Y, respectively. The protective layer 15 is provided on the recording layer 112Y.

The support base 111 serves to support the recording layer 112. The support base 111 is composed of a material having excellent heat resistance and excellent dimensional stability in the planar direction. The support base 111 may have a light transmissive or non-light transmissive property. For example, the support base 111 may be a substrate having rigidity, such as a wafer, or may be composed of a flexible thin-layer glass, film, paper, or the like. Using a flexible substrate as the support base 111 allows a flexible (foldable) reversible recording medium to be realized.

Examples of the constituent material of the support base 111 include inorganic materials, metal materials, and polymer materials (such as plastics). Specific examples of the inorganic material include silicon (Si), silicon oxide (SiO) _X ) Silicon nitride (SiN) _X ) Aluminum oxide (AlO) _X ) And magnesium oxide (MgO) _X ). Examples of silicon oxide include glass and spin-on glass (SOG). Examples of the metal material include metal elements such as aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), gold (Au), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), nickel (Ni), tin (Sn), cobalt (Co), rhodium (Rh), iridium (Ir), iron (Fe), ruthenium (Ru), osmium (Os), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), niobium (Nb), tantalum (Ta), titanium (Ti), bismuth (Bi), antimony (Sb), or lead (Pb), or an alloy containing two or more of these metal elements. Specific examples of the alloy include stainless steel (SUS), aluminum alloy, magnesium alloy, titanium alloy, and the like. Examples of the high molecular material include phenol resin, epoxy resin, melamine formaldehyde resin, unsaturated polyester resin, polyurethane resin, polyimide, polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, medium-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polystyrene, polyvinyl acetate, polyurethane, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene resin (ABS), acrylic resin (PMMA), polyamide, nylon, polyacetal resin, polycarbonate (PC), modified polyphenylene ether, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate, cyclic polyolefin, polyphenylene sulfide, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polysulfone, polyethersulfone, amorphous polyarylate, liquid crystal polyarylate, and a cyclic polyolefinPolymers, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyamideimide, polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), and triacetylcellulose, cellulose or copolymers of the foregoing, glass fiber reinforced plastics, carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics (CFRP), and the like. It should be noted that the upper surface or the lower surface of the support base 111 may be provided with a reflective layer. The provision of the reflective layer allows a sharper colour display.

The recording layer 112 enables information to be written and deleted by heat, and is composed of a material that allows stable repeated recording and allows control of a decolored state and a colored state. The recording layers 112 include, for example, a recording layer 112M to be colored magenta (M), a recording layer 112C to be colored cyan (C), and a recording layer 112Y to be colored yellow (Y).

The recording layer 112 (recording layers 112M, 112C, and 112Y) includes, for example, a polymer material including a coloring compound (reversible thermosensitive coloring compound) to be colored in different colors, a developer/decolorizer corresponding to the respective coloring compounds, and a photothermal conversion agent that absorbs light in different wavelength regions to generate heat. This allows the thermosensitive recording medium 100 to perform multicolor display. Specifically, the recording layer 112M includes, for example, a coloring compound to be colored magenta, a developer/color reducing agent corresponding to the coloring compound, and, for example, a photothermal conversion agent that absorbs infrared rays of the light emission wavelength λ 1 to generate heat. The recording layer 112C includes, for example, a coloring compound that develops cyan, a developer/color reducer corresponding to the coloring compound, and, for example, a photothermal conversion agent that absorbs infrared rays of the light emission wavelength λ 2 to generate heat. The recording layer 112Y includes, for example, a coloring compound to be colored yellow, a color developer/color reducing agent corresponding to the coloring compound, and, for example, a photothermal conversion agent that absorbs infrared rays of a light emission wavelength λ 3 to generate heat. The light emission wavelengths λ 1, λ 2, and λ 3 are different from each other.

Note that the recording layers 112M, 112C, and 112Y all become transparent in the decolored state. This allows the thermosensitive recording medium 100 to be capable of performing recording in a wide color gamut. Each of the recording layers 112M, 112C, and 112Y has a thickness (hereinafter simply referred to as a thickness) in the stacking direction of, for example, 1 μ M or more and 10 μ M or less.

Examples of the coloring compound include colorless pigments. Examples of the colorless pigment include existing pigments for thermal paper. Specific examples thereof include compounds containing a group having an electron donating property in a molecule and represented by the following formula (1).

[ chemical formula 1]

The coloring compound used for the recording layers 112M, 112C, and 112Y is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Specific examples of the coloring compound include, in addition to the compounds represented by the above formula (1), fluoro-based compounds, triphenylmethane phthalate-based compounds, azide compounds, phenothiazinyl compounds, leuco auramine-based compounds, indoleamine-based compounds, and the like. Further examples include 2-anilino-3-methyl-6-diethylaminofluoro-alkane, 2-anilino-3-methyl-6-di (butylamino) fluoro-alkane, 2-anilino-3-methyl-6- (N-N-propyl-N-methylamino) fluoro-alkane, 2-anilino-3-methyl-6- (N-isopropyl-N-methylamino) fluoro-alkane, 2-anilino-3-methyl-6- (N-isobutyl-N-methylamino) fluoro-alkane, 2-anilino-3-methyl-6- (N-N-pentyl-N-methylamino) fluoro-alkane, 2-anilino-3-methyl-6- (N-sec-butyl-N-methylamino) fluoro-alkane, 2-anilino-3-methyl-6- (N-N-acyl-N-ethylamino) fluoro-alkane, 2-anilino-3-methyl-6- (N-isopentyl-N-ethylamino) fluoro-alkane, 2-anilino-3-methyl-6- (N-N-propyl-N-isopropylamino) fluoro-2-methyl-6- (N-cyclohexylamino) fluoro-alkane, 2-anilino-3-methyl-6- (N-N-isopropyl-methylamino) fluoro-alkane, 2-anilino-3-methyl-6- (N-ethyl-p-toluidine) fluoroalkane, 2-anilino-3-methyl-6- (N-methyl-p-toluidine) fluoroalkane, 2- (m-trichloromethylaniline) -3-methyl-6-diethylaminofluoroalkane, 2- (m-trifluoromethylaniline) -3-methyl-6-diethylaminofluoroalkane, 2- (m-trichloromethylaniline) -3-methyl-6- (N-cyclohexyl-N-methylamino) fluoroalkane, 2- (2, 4-dimethylaniline) -3-methyl-6-diethylaminofluoroalkane, 2- (N-ethyl-p-toluidine) -3-methyl-6- (N-ethylaniline) fluoroalkane, 2- (N-ethyl-p-toluidine) -3-methyl-6- (N-propyl-p-toluidine) fluoroalkane, 2-aniline-6- (N-N-hexyl-N-ethylamino) fluoroalkane, 2- (o-chloroaniline) -6-diethylaminofluoroalkane, 2- (o-chloroaniline) -6-dibutylamine, 2- (m-trifluoromethyl) -6-dimethylamino-dimethylaminoalkane, 2, 3-methyl-6- (N-ethyl-p-toluidine) fluorocarbon, 2-chloro-6-diethylaminofluorocarbon, 2-bromo-6-diethylaminofluorocarbon, 2-chloro-6-dipropylaminofluorocarbon, 3-chloro-6-cyclohexylaminofluorocarbon, 3-bromo-6-cyclohexylaminofluorocarbon, 2-chloro-6- (N-ethyl-N-isopentylamino) fluorocarbon, 2-chloro-3-methyl-6-diethylaminofluorocarbon, 2-aniline-3-chloro-6-diethylaminofluorocarbon, 2- (o-chloroanilino) -3-chloro-6-cyclohexylaminofluorocarbon, 2- (m-trifluoromethylaniline) -3-chloro-6-aminodiethylfluorocarbon, 2- (2, 3-dichloroanilino) -3-chloro-6-diethylaminofluorocarbon, 1, 2-benzo-6-diethylaminofluorocarbon, 3-diethylamino-6- (m-trifluoromethylaniline) fluorocarbon, 3- (1-ethyl-2-methylindol-3-yl) -3- (2-hydroxyethyl-4-diethylaminophenyl) -4- (2-hydroxyethyl) -3-ethyl-4-diethylaminoazide, 3-ethyl-3-4-diethylaminoazide, and 2-ethyl-3-diethylaminoazide, 3- (1-octyl-2-methylindol-3-yl) -3- (2-hydroxyethyl-4-diethylaminobenzene) -4-azide, 3- (1-ethyl-2-methylindol-3-yl) -3- (2-methyl-4-diethylaminobenzene) -7-azide, 3- (1-ethyl-2-methylindol-3-yl) -3- (4-diethylaminobenzene) -4-azide, and mixtures thereof 3- (1-ethyl-2-methylindol-3-yl) -3- (4-N-N-acyl-N-methylaminophenyl) -4-azide, 3- (1-methyl-2-methylindol-3-yl) -3- (2-hexyloxy-4-diethylaminophenyl) -4-azide, 3-bis (2-ethoxy-4-diethylaminophenyl) -7-azide, and mixtures thereof, 2- (p-acetylaniline) -6- (N-N-pentyl-N-butylamino) halothane, 2-benzylamino-6- (N-ethyl-p-toluidine) halothane, 2-benzylamino-6- (N-methyl-2, 4-dimethylaniline) halothane, 2-benzylamino-6- (N-ethyl-2, 4-dimethylaniline) halothane, 2-benzylamino-6- (N-methyl-p-toluidine) halothane, 2-benzylamino-6- (N-ethyl-p-toluidine) halothane, 2- (di-p-methylbenzylamino) -6- (N-ethyl-p-toluidine) halothane, 2- (alpha-phenethylamino) -6- (N-ethyl-p-toluidine) halothane, 2-methylamino-6- (N-methylaniline) halothane, 2-methylamino-6- (N-ethylaniline) halothane, 2-methylamino-6- (N-propylaniline) halothane, 2-ethylamino-6- (N-methyl-p-toluidine) halothane, 2-methylamino-6- (N-methyl-N-4-ethylaniline) halothane, 2-dimethylamino-6- (N-methyl-p-toluidine) halothane, 2-ethylaminoethyl-4-dimethylaniline) halothane, 2-dimethylamino-6- (N-methylaniline) halothane, 2-dimethylamino-6- (N-ethylaniline) halothane, 2-diethylamino-6- (N-methyl-p-toluidine) halothane, 2-diethylamino-6- (N-ethyl-p-toluidine) halothane, 2-dipropylamino-6- (N-methylaniline) halothane, 2-dipropylamino-6- (N-ethylaniline) halothane, 2-amino-6- (N-methylaniline) halothane, 2-amino-6- (N-ethylaniline) halothane, 2-amino-6- (N-propylaniline) halothane, 2-amino-6- (N-methyl-p-toluidine) halothane, 2-amino-6- (N-ethyl-p-toluidine) halothane, 2-amino-6- (N-propyl-p-toluidine) halothane, 2-amino-6- (N-methyl-p-ethylaniline) halothane, 2-amino-6- (N-ethyl-p-ethylaniline) halothane, 2-amino-6- (N-propyl-p-toluidine) halothane, 2-amino-6- (N-methyl-p-ethylaniline) halothane, 2-amino-6- (N-ethyl-2, 4-dimethylaniline) halothane, 2-amino-6- (N-propyl-2, 4-dimethylaniline) halothane, 2-amino-6- (N-methyl-p-chloroaniline) halothane, 2-amino-6- (N-ethyl-p-chloroaniline) halothane, 2-amino-6- (N-propyl-p-chloroaniline) halothane, 1, 2-benzo-6- (N-ethyl-N-isopentylamino) halothane, 1, 2-benzo-6-dibutylamino halothane, 1, 2-benzo-6- (N-methyl-N-cyclohexylamino) halothane, 1, 2-benzo-6- (N-ethyl-N-toluidine) halothane and the like. For the recording layers 112M, 112C, and 112Y, one of the above coloring compounds may be used alone, or two or more of the above coloring compounds may be used in combination.

The color developer/color reducing agent is used, for example, to develop a color of a colorless coloring compound or to decolor a coloring compound having a predetermined color. Examples of the color developer/reducer include phenol derivatives, salicylic acid derivatives, and urea derivatives. Specific examples thereof include compounds having a salicylic acid skeleton represented by the following general formula (2) and containing a group having an electron-accepting property in a molecule.

[ chemical formula 2]

<xnotran> (X -NHCO-, -CONH-, -NHCONH-, -CONHCO-, -NHNHCO-, -CONHNH-, -CONHNHCO-, -NHCOCONH-, -NHCONHCO-, -CONHCONH-, -NHNHCONH-, -NHCONHNH-, -CONHNHCONH-, -NHCONHNHCO- -CONHNHCONH- , R 25 34 ). </xnotran>

Other examples of the developer/color reducer include 4,4 '-isopropylidenebisphenol, 4' -isopropylidenebis (o-methylphenol), 4 '-dibutylbisphenol, 4' -isopropylidenebis (2-tert-butylphenol), zinc p-nitrobenzoate, 1,3, 5-tris (4-tert-butyl-3-hydroxy-2, 6-dimethylbenzyl) isocyanuric acid, 2- (3, 4 '-dihydroxydiphenyl) propane, bis (4-hydroxy-3-tolyl) sulfide, 4- { beta- (p-methoxyphenoxy) hydroxyethyl } salicylic acid, 1, 7-bis (4-hydroxyphenylthio) -3, 5-dioxaheptane, water-soluble organic solvent, and water-soluble organic solvent 1, 5-bis (4-hydroxyphenylthio) -5-oxopentane, monobenzylmonocalcium phthalate, 4' -cyclohexylidenediphenol, 4 '-isopropylidenebis (2-chlorophenol), 2' -methylenebis (4-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol) 4,4 '-butylidenebis (6-tert-butyl-2-methyl) phenol, 1, 3-tris (2-methyl-4-hydroxy-5-tert-butylbenzene) butane, 1, 3-tris (2-methyl-4-hydroxy-5-cyclohexylphenyl) butane, 4' -thiobis (6-tert-butyl-2-methyl) phenol, 4,4' -biphenol sulfone, 4-isopropoxy-4 ' -hydroxydiphenyl sulfone (4-hydroxy-4 ' -isopropoxydiphenyl sulfone), 4-benzyloxy-4 ' -hydroxydiphenyl sulfone, 4' -biphenol sulfoxide, isopropyl p-hydroxybenzoate, benzyl p-hydroxybenzoate, benzylprotocatecholate, stearyl gallate, lauryl gallate, octyl gallate, 1,3-bis (4-hydroxyphenylthio) -propane, N, N ' -diphenylthiourea, N, N ' -bis (m-chlorophenyl) thiourea, salicylanilide, methyl bis (4-hydroxyphenyl) acetate, benzyl bis (4-hydroxyphenyl) acetate, 1,3-bis (4-hydroxycumyl) benzene, 1, 4-bis (4-hydroxycumyl) benzene, 2,4' -diphenylsulfone, 2' -diallyl-4, 4' -diphenylsulfone, 3, 4-dihydroxyphenyl-4 ' -methyldiphenylsulfone, zinc 1-acetoxy-2-naphthoate, zinc 2-acetoxy-1-naphthoate, zinc 2-acetoxy-3-naphthoate, α -bis (4-hydroxyphenyl) - α -methyltoluene, the inverse pyridinium complex of zinc thiocyanate, tetrabromobisphenol A, tetrabromobisphenol S, 4' -thiobis (2-methylphenol), 4' -thiobis (2-chlorophenol), dodecylphosphonic acid, tetradecylphosphonic acid, hexadecyl phosphonic acid, octadecyl phosphonic acid, eicosyl phosphonic acid, docosyl phosphonic acid, tetracosyl phosphonic acid, hexacosyl phosphonic acid, octacosyl phosphonic acid, alpha-hydroxydodecyl phosphonic acid, alpha-hydroxytetradecyl phosphonic acid, alpha-hydroxyhexadecyl phosphonic acid, alpha-hydroxyoctadecyl phosphonic acid, alpha-hydroxyeicosyl phosphonic acid, alpha-hydroxydocosyl phosphonic acid, alpha-hydroxytetracosyl phosphonic acid, hexacosyl phosphate, octacosyl phosphate, diisophosphate, disaccharide ester phosphate, monododecyl phosphate, monostearyl phosphate, monodicosyl phosphate, monooctyl phosphate, methylhexadecyl phosphate, methyloctadecyl phosphate, methyldicosyl phosphate, pentylhexadecyl phosphate, octylhexadecyl phosphate, laurhexadecyl phosphate and the like. For the recording layers 112M, 112C, and 112Y, one of the above-described color developers/color reducers may be used alone, or two or more of the above-described color developers/color reducers may be used in combination.

The photothermal conversion agent is used, for example, to absorb light in a wavelength region (e.g., a wavelength of 700nm or more and 2500nm or less) of a near infrared region property to generate heat. In this embodiment mode, a combination of materials having narrow light absorption bands that do not overlap with each other is preferably selected for the photothermal conversion agent to be used for the recording layers 112M, 112C, and 112Y. This makes it possible to selectively color or decolor a desired layer of the recording layers 112M, 112C, and 112Y. Examples of the photothermal conversion agent included in the recording layer 112M include photothermal conversion agents having an absorption peak with a wavelength of 760 nm. Examples of the photothermal conversion agent included in the recording layer 112C include photothermal conversion agents having an absorption peak with a wavelength of 860 nm. Examples of the photothermal conversion agent included in the recording layer 112Y include photothermal conversion agents having an absorption peak at a wavelength of 915nm. It should be noted that the above absorption peak is an example, and is not limited thereto.

Examples of the photothermal conversion agent include a compound having a phthalocyanine skeleton (phthalocyanine-based pigment), a compound having a naphthalocyanine skeleton (naphthalocyanine-based pigment), a compound having a squalene skeleton (squalene-based pigment), a compound having a cyanine skeleton (cyanine-based pigment), an organic compound such as a diammonium salt or an aluminum salt, a metal complex such as a disulfide complex, an inorganic compound such as cobalt tetraoxide, iron oxide, chromium oxide, copper oxide, titanium black, ITO, niobium nitride, and an organic metal compound such as tantalum carbide.

As the polymer material, a material that facilitates uniform dispersion of the coloring compound, the color developer/decolorizer, and the photothermal conversion agent is preferably used. For example, as the polymer material, a matrix resin is preferably used; examples thereof include thermosetting resins and thermoplastic resins. Specific examples thereof include polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl acetate, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, ethyl cellulose, polystyrene, styrene-based copolymer, phenoxy resin, polyester, polyarylate, polyurethane, polycarbonate, polyacrylate, polymethacrylate, acrylic-based copolymer, maleic-based polymer, cycloolefin copolymer, polyvinyl alcohol, modified polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, hydroxyethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, starch, phenol resin, epoxy resin, melamine-formaldehyde resin, urea-formaldehyde resin, unsaturated polyester resin, alkyd resin, polyurethane resin, polyarylate resin, polyimide, polyamide, and polyamide-imide. The polymer material may be used after being crosslinked.

The recording layers 112M, 112C, and 112Y each include at least one coloring compound, at least one color developer/reducer, and at least one photothermal conversion agent. In addition to the above-described materials, for example, the recording layers 112M, 112C, and 112Y may each include various additives such as a photosensitizer and an ultraviolet absorber.

The

intermediate layers

113 and 114 serve to suppress diffusion of molecules contained between the recording layer 112M and the recording layer 112C and between the recording layer 112C and the recording layer 112Y and occurrence of heat transfer at the time of drawing. The intermediate layer 113 has, for example, a three-layer configuration in which a first layer 113A, a second layer 113B, and a third layer 113C are stacked in this order. The intermediate layer 114 has a three-layer configuration in which a first layer 114A, a second layer 114B, and a third layer 114C are stacked in this order, similarly to the intermediate layer 113. Each of the

layers

113A, 113B, and 113C (114A, 114B, and 114C) is formed using a typical polymer material having translucency, and particularly, for example, it is preferable that the middle layers (

second layers

113B and 114B) in the above-described multilayer structure are each formed using a material having a lower young's modulus than the other layers (

first layers

113A and 114A and

third layers

113C and 114C).

The

first layers

113A and 114A and the

third layers

113C and 114C are each formed using, for example, a typical polymer material having translucency. Specific examples of the material include polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl acetate, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, ethyl cellulose, polystyrene, styrene-based copolymer, phenoxy resin, polyester, polyarylate, polyurethane, polycarbonate, polyacrylate, polymethacrylate, acrylic-based copolymer, maleic-based polymer, cycloolefin copolymer, polyvinyl alcohol, modified polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, hydroxyethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, starch, phenol resin, epoxy resin, melamine formaldehyde resin, urea formaldehyde resin, unsaturated polyester resin, alkyd resin, polyurethane resin, polyarylate resin, polyimide, polyamide, and polyamide-imide.

Examples of the material of the

second layers

113B and 114B include silicone-based elastomers, acrylic elastomers, polyurethane-based elastomers, styrene-based elastomers, polyester-based elastomers, olefin-based elastomers, polyvinyl chloride-based elastomers, natural rubbers, styrene-butadiene rubbers, isoprene rubbers, butadiene rubbers, chloroprene rubbers, acrylonitrile-butadiene rubbers, butyl rubbers, ethylene-propylene-diene rubbers, polyurethane rubbers, silicone rubbers, fluorine rubbers, chlorosulfonated polyethylenes, polyvinyl chlorides, acrylic rubbers, polysulfide rubbers, chlorinated ether rubbers, polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMS), polyvinyl chlorides, polyvinyl acetates, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymers, ethyl celluloses, polystyrenes, styrene-based copolymers, phenoxy resins, polyesters, polyarylates, polyurethanes, polycarbonates, polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, acryl-based copolymers, maleic-based polymers, cycloolefin copolymers, polyvinyl alcohols, modified polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinyl butyrals, polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinyl pyrrolidones, hydroxyethyl celluloses, carboxymethyl celluloses, starches, phenol resins, epoxy resins, melamine-formaldehyde resins, unsaturated polyester resins, urea-formaldehyde resins, polyurethane resins, urea-formaldehyde resins, polyimide resins, polyamide-imide resins, and polyamide-imide resins.

The combination of materials included in the

layers

113A, 113B, and 113C (114A, 114B, and 114C) is not limited as long as the material of each of the

second layers

113B and 114B is lower than the young's modulus of the materials of the

first layers

113A and 114A and the

third layers

113C and 114C. Further, for the

intermediate layers

113 and 114, the above-described polymer material may be used after being crosslinked. In addition, the

intermediate layers

113 and 114 may include various additives such as, for example, ultraviolet absorbers.

The thickness of each of the

intermediate layers

113 and 114 is preferably, for example, 1 μm or more and 100 μm or less, and more preferably, for example, 5 μm or more and 20 μm or less. Of these, the thickness of each of the

first layers

113A and 114A is preferably, for example, 0.1 μm or more and 10 μm or less, and the thickness of each of the

second layers

113B and 114B is preferably, for example, 0.01 μm or more and 10 μm or less. The thickness of each of the

third layers

113C and 114C is preferably 0.1 μm or more and 10 μm or less, for example.

The protective layer 115 is for protecting the surface of the recording layer 112 (here, the recording layer 112Y), and is formed using, for example, an ultraviolet curable resin or a thermosetting resin. The protective layer 115 has a thickness of, for example, 0.1 μm or more and 100 μm or less.

(1-2 construction of drawing device)

Next, the drawing device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

The drawing apparatus 1 includes, for example, a signal processing circuit 10, a laser driving circuit 20, a light source unit 30, a multiplexer 40, a scanner unit 50, a scan driving circuit 60, a detection unit 70, and a correction unit 80.

The signal processing circuit 10 converts a drawing signal D1in input from the outside and a drawing signal D2in input from the correction unit 8080 (to be described later) into an image signal corresponding to the wavelength of each light source of the light source unit 30 (color gamut conversion) according to the characteristics of the thermosensitive recording medium 100 and the state of writing in the thermosensitive recording medium 100. The signal processing circuit 10 generates, for example, a projection image clock signal in synchronization with the scanner operation of the scanner unit 50. The signal processing circuit 10 generates, for example, a projection image signal so as to output a light beam (laser beam) according to the generated image signal. For example, the signal processing circuit 10 outputs the generated projection image signal to the laser driving circuit 20. In addition, for example, the signal processing circuit 10 outputs a projection image clock signal to the laser driving circuit 20 as necessary.

The laser drive circuit 20 drives each of the

light sources

31A, 31B, and 31C of the light source unit 30, for example, according to a projection image signal corresponding to each wavelength. The laser drive circuit 20 controls, for example, the brightness (shading) of the laser beam for drawing an image corresponding to the projection image signal. The laser driving circuit 20 includes, for example: a drive circuit 21A that drives the light source 31A, a drive circuit 21B that drives the light source 31B, and a drive circuit 21C that drives the light source 31C. The

light sources

31A, 31B, and 31C each emit a laser beam in, for example, the near infrared region (700 nm to 2500 nm). The light source 31A is, for example, a laser diode that emits a laser beam La having a light emission wavelength λ 1. The light source 31B is, for example, a laser diode that emits a laser beam Lb having a light emission wavelength λ 2. The light source 31C is, for example, a laser diode that emits a laser light beam Lc having a light emission wavelength λ 3. The light emission wavelengths λ 1 and λ 2 satisfy, for example, the following condition 1 (expression (1) and expression (2)). The light emission wavelengths λ 2 and λ 3 may satisfy, for example, the following condition 2 (expression (3) and expression (4)).

Condition 1

λa2<λ1<λa1...(1)

λa3<λ2<λa2...(2)

Condition 2

λa1-10nm<λ3<λa1+10nm...(3)

λa3<λ2<λa2...(4)

Here, λ a1 is, for example, an absorption wavelength (absorption peak wavelength) of the recording layer 112M and is, for example, 880nm. λ a2 is an absorption wavelength of the recording layer 112C to be described later and is, for example, 790nm. λ a3 is an absorption wavelength (absorption peak wavelength) of the recording layer 112Y to be described later and is 915nm, for example. Note that "± 10nm" in the expression (3) means an allowable error range. In the case where the light emission wavelengths λ 1 and λ 2 satisfy the above-described condition 1, the light emission wavelength λ 1 is, for example, 880nm, and the light emission wavelength λ 2 is, for example, 790nm. In the case where the light emission wavelengths λ 1 and λ 2 satisfy the above-described condition 2, the light emission wavelength λ 1 is, for example, 950nm, and the light emission wavelength λ 2 is, for example, 790nm.

The light source unit 30 includes a light source to be used for writing information on the thermosensitive recording medium 100. The light source unit 30 includes, for example, three

light sources

31A, 31B, and 31C.

The multiplexer 40 has, for example, two

reflection mirrors

41a and 41d, and two

dichroic mirrors

41b and 41c. The laser light beams La, lb, and Lc emitted from the

light sources

31A, 31B, and 31C, respectively, are converted into substantially parallel light (collimated light) by the collimator lens. After that, for example, the laser light beam La is reflected by the reflecting mirror 41a and further reflected by the dichroic mirror 41 b. The laser light beam Lb passes through the

dichroic mirrors

41b and 41c. The laser light beam Lc is reflected by the reflecting mirror 41d and further reflected by the dichroic mirror 41c. Thus, the laser beam La, the laser beam Lb, and the laser beam Lc are multiplexed. The multiplexer 40 outputs the multiplexed light Lm obtained by multiplexing, for example, to the scanner unit 50.

The scanner unit 50 scans the multiplexed light Lm output from the multiplexer 40 in a line-sequential manner, for example, on the thermosensitive recording medium 100. The scanner unit 50 includes, for example, a biaxial scanner 51 and an f θ lens 52. The two-axis scanner 51 is, for example, a galvanometer mirror. The f θ lens 52 converts the constant-speed rotational motion of the biaxial scanner 51 into a constant-speed linear motion of a point moving on the focal plane (the surface of the thermal recording medium 100).

The scanner drive circuit 60 drives the scanner unit 50 in synchronization with a projection image clock signal input from the signal processing circuit 10, for example. In addition, in the case where a signal of the irradiation angle of the biaxial scanner 51 or the like is input from the scanner unit 50, the scanner drive circuit 60 drives the scanner unit 50 based on the signal so that the irradiation angle is a desired irradiation angle.

The detection unit 70 detects a drawn image drawn on the thermosensitive recording medium 100. Specifically, the detection unit 70 detects the drawn image drawn in the first areas A1, A2, \8230an, for example, in step S101 (step S102).

The correction unit 80 compares the image information of the drawn image detected by the detection unit 70 with the image information of the input image to calculate a difference between the drawn image and the input image, and determines the recording intensity based on the difference. Specifically, the correction unit 80 calculates a difference between the image information of the drawn image of the first areas A1, A2, \ 8230an and the image information of the input image detected in step S102, and determines the recording intensity for the second areas B1, B2, \ 8230bn based on the difference (step S103). The recording intensity determined by the correction unit 80 is output to the signal processing circuit 10 as a rendering signal D2 in.

(1-3. Drawing method on thermosensitive recording Medium)

Next, a drawing method performed on a thermosensitive recording medium (thermosensitive recording medium 100) according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 1,5, 6A, and 6B.

First, the thermosensitive recording medium 100 is prepared and the thermosensitive recording medium 100 is mounted in the drawing device 1. Next, the signal processing circuit 10 selects a light source to be driven based on a signal (drawing signal D1 in) of an input image (for example, input image D1 shown in fig. 5). The signal processing circuit 10 generates a delta projection image signal for driving the light source selected based on the rendering signal D1 in. The signal processing circuit 10 outputs the generated projection image signal to the laser driving circuit 20 to control the light source unit 30. Thus, for example, multiplexed light Lm1 obtained by appropriately multiplexing a laser light beam La having a light emission wavelength of 760nm, a laser light beam Lb having a light emission wavelength of 860nm, and a laser light beam Lc having a light emission wavelength of 915nm is applied from the set of drawing devices 1 to some of the regions (first regions A1, A2, 8230an) of the thermal recording medium 100. As a result, as shown in fig. 6A, rendering based on the rendering signal D1in is performed in the first areas A1, A2, \ 8230an in a mixed color of magenta, cyan, and yellow (step S101).

Next, the drawing image of the first areas A1, A2, \8230anis detected by the detection unit 70. The image information of the drawn image of the first areas A1, A2, \8230Anthus obtained is output to the correction unit 80. It should be noted that, when detecting the drawn image, for example, the light source may be turned on. Alternatively, a window having light transmissivity for capturing external light may be provided for the drawing device 1, and external light entering from the window may be used.

Next, the correction unit 80 compares image information of the drawn image of the first areas A1, A2, \8230anwith image information of the input image to calculate a difference between the drawn image and the input image D1 (step S103). The correction unit 80 determines the recording intensity for the remaining area (second area B1, B2, \8230; bn) on which the rendering was not performed in step S101, based on the difference. The determined recording intensity is output to the signal processing circuit 10 as a drawing signal D2 in.

The signal processing circuit 10 selects a light source to be driven based on the drawing signal D2in input from the correction unit 80. The signal processing circuit 10 generates a projection image signal for driving the light source selected based on the rendering signal D2 in. The signal processing circuit 10 outputs the generated projection image signal to the laser driving circuit 20 to control the light source unit 30. Thus, for example, multiplexed light Lm2 obtained by appropriately multiplexing a laser light beam La having a light emission wavelength of 760nm, a laser light beam Lb having a light emission wavelength of 860nm, and a laser light beam Lc having a light emission wavelength of 915nm is applied from the set of drawing devices 1 to the second area B1, B2, \8230; bn of the thermal recording medium 100. As a result, as shown in fig. 6B, rendering based on the rendering signal D2in is performed in the second areas B1, B2, \8230; bn respectively adjacent to the first areas A1, A2, \8230; an in mixed colors of magenta, cyan, and yellow (step S104).

Hereinafter, specific examples of the above-described drawing method will be described with reference to fig. 7, 10, and 11.

In fig. 7, the input image D1 is divided into, for example, 24 patches, and the gradation of magenta for each patch is shown. Here, it is assumed that the input image D1 is represented by 255 grayscale data (255 grays), and that the grays of cyan and yellow are unchanged except for magenta.

In the present embodiment, for example, each of 24 blocks of the input image D1 shown in fig. 7 is further divided into two in the vertical direction, and the upper portion thereof is set as the first region a and the lower portion thereof is set as the second region B, and as described above, multiplexed light Lm1 obtained by appropriately performing multiplexing based on the drawing signal D1 of the input image D1 is applied to each of the first regions a (A1, A2, \8230; an) of the upper portions of the respective blocks.

Incidentally, when drawing is performed on a thermosensitive recording medium, as described above, there is a case where there is a color tone deviation from an assumed image, which may occur due to a change in a recording apparatus, a deviation from the design of the thermosensitive recording medium, or the like. Fig. 8 shows a change in laser intensity with respect to the main scanning direction, which is an exemplary change in the recording apparatus. Fig. 9 shows a variation in thickness of the recording layer with respect to the main scanning direction, which is an example of a deviation from the design of the thermosensitive recording medium. Here, the main scanning direction is, for example, the X-axis direction in fig. 7, and proceeds from the left end to the right end in the drawing.

In the case where the laser intensity is low at the start of drawing as shown in fig. 8, or in the case where the thickness of the recording layer 112 is small at the start point of drawing as shown in fig. 9, even if the gradation of magenta is set to 65 in the drawing signal D1in, the gradation of magenta actually drawn in the corresponding region is less than 65. Specifically, for example, as shown in fig. 6A, a gradient is formed from a drawing start point (for example, X-1 (block A1-1, hereinafter, it is assumed that X represents the corresponding area number) of the first area A1) to a block (for example, X-5 (block A1-5) of the first area A1) where the laser intensity or the thickness of the recording layer 112 becomes a set value.

The detection unit 70 detects the drawn image drawn in the first area A1, A2, \8230anas the gray scale of each block. Fig. 10 shows the gradation of magenta in each of the areas of the drawn image of the first area A1, A2, \8230anshown in fig. 6A. The gradation of magenta in each tile gradually increases in the following order from the left end which is the drawing start point: 25 (e.g., blocks A1-1), 35 (e.g., blocks A1-2), 45 (e.g., blocks A1-3), 55 (e.g., blocks A1-4), and then 65 in the fifth block from the left (e.g., blocks A1-5), which is the same gray scale as the input image D1. The detection unit 70 outputs the gray scale of each block (e.g., blocks A1-1, A1-2, \8230; A1-8) of the first areas A1, A2, \8230; an to the correction unit 80 as image information of the first areas A1, A2, \8230; an.

The correction unit 80 calculates a difference between each of the blocks (e.g., the blocks A1-1, A1-2, \8230; A1-8) of the first area A1, A2, \8230; an and the input image D1 based on the gray information of the block (e.g., the blocks A1-1, A1-2, \8230; A1-8) of the first area A1, A2, \8230; an) input from the detection unit 70 and the gray information of the corresponding block of the input image D1. Based on the result, gradation information of the block (for example, the blocks B1 to 1, B1 to 2, \ 8230; B1 to 8) of the second region B1, B2, \ 8230; bn, which is required to obtain the gradation of the input image D1in the block (X-1, X-2, \8230; X-8), is calculated.

Fig. 11 shows the gray scale required for obtaining a rendered image substantially equal to the input image D1 for the blocks of the second regions B1, B2, \ 8230; bn, e.g. blocks B1-1, B1-2, \ 8230; B1-8. For example, as shown in fig. 7, in the case where the magenta gradation of the input image D1in the patch X-1 is 65 and the magenta gradation in the first area a (patch A1-1) in the upper part of the patch X-1 is 25, the gradation drawn in the second area B (patch B1-1) in the lower part of the patch is 105.

The correction unit 80 further determines the recording intensity of the blocks (e.g., the blocks B1-1, B1-2, \8230; B1-8) for the second regions B1, B2, \8230;, bn based on the gray information of the blocks (e.g., the blocks B1-1, B1-2, \8230; B1-8) of the second regions B1, B2, \8230; bn calculated above.

Fig. 12 shows the relationship between the laser intensity and the assumed gray scale (theoretical gray scale) and the considered actually rendered gray scale (actual gray scale). Fig. 12 shows deviations between the set values obtained from the results of rendering the images of the first areas A1, A2, \8230an, an and the actual rendering conditions. For example, when rendering is performed with the laser intensity P1 to obtain a gradation of 65, the actually rendered gradation is 25. Thereby, the relationship between the estimated laser light intensity and the gradation of the drawing device 1 actually corresponds to the broken line. Therefore, in order to obtain a magenta gradation of 65 in the patch X-1 of the thermal recording medium 100, it is necessary that the magenta gradation in the patch X-1 (patch B1-1) of the second area B is 105, and the laser intensity required for rendering the magenta gradation of 105 in fig. 12 is P2. The above calculations are performed for each of the blocks X-1, X-2, \ 8230; X-8 and the optimum laser intensity for rendering on each of the blocks of the second area B1, B2.. Bn (e.g. blocks B1-1, B1-2.. B1-8) is determined. The correction unit 80 outputs the optimum laser intensity for drawing on the blocks (e.g., the blocks B1-1, B1-2.. B1-8) of the second areas B1, B2.. Bn to the signal processing circuit 10 as the drawing signal D2 in.

With the above, the signal processing circuit 10 applies the multiplexed light Lm2 obtained by appropriately performing multiplexing to each of the second areas B (B1, B2.. Bn) of the lower portions of the respective blocks X-1, X-2.. X-8 based on the drawing signal D2in input from the correction unit 80.

As described above, as shown in fig. 2, the thermosensitive recording medium 100 has a stripe-shaped region in at least a part in which the first region a and the second region B having the gradations different from each other are alternately adjacent to each other. Specifically, a drawn image is formed in which the color difference (Δ A1-B1) between the first area a (e.g., A1 in the first area A1 of fig. 2) and the second area B (e.g., B1 in the second area B1 of fig. 2) adjacent to each other on a straight line in another direction perpendicular to the one direction is larger than the color difference (Δ A1-A2) between the first areas (e.g., A1 in the first area A1 and A2 in the first area A2 of fig. 2) adjacent to each other on a straight line in the other direction. In addition, a drawn image is formed in which the color difference (Δ A1-B1) between A1 of the first area A1 and B1 of the second area B1 is larger than, for example, the color difference (Δ A1-a 3) between A1 of the first area A1 and a3 of the first area A1, and a3 of the first area A1 is in the same first area A1 and is separated from A1 by a certain width in one direction (X-axis direction).

It should be noted that by setting the widths of the first and second areas a and B to be less than or equal to the resolution of the human eye (e.g., 500 μm or less), a drawn image substantially equivalent to the input image D1 is formed in the thermosensitive recording medium 100. Note that the lower limit of the width of the first region a and the second region B is not particularly limited; however, the width that can be drawn is, for example, 10 μm.

(1-4. Action and Effect)

As described above, a thermosensitive recording medium including a recording layer containing a thermosensitive coloring composition and a photothermal conversion agent that absorbs infrared-wavelength light has recently been developed. As an example, a thermosensitive recording medium has been proposed in which a plurality of recording layers are included, the plurality of recording layers respectively include a photothermal conversion agent that absorbs infrared rays of different wavelengths, and by applying infrared laser light that matches the absorption wavelength of the photothermal conversion agent, the respective photothermal conversion agent absorbs the laser light to cause the recording layer including the photothermal conversion agent to develop color. Such a thermosensitive recording medium adjusts a drawing width by changing laser intensity to express a desired gradation.

However, in the case of performing recording on the above-described thermosensitive recording medium, there is a problem that there occurs a color tone deviation from an assumed image due to a change in recording apparatuses, a deviation from the design of the thermosensitive recording medium, and the like. In particular, in a reversible recording medium that includes a colorless pigment as a thermosensitive color-developing composition and is capable of recording and deleting information by heat by combining with a color-developer/color-reducing agent and a photothermal conversion agent, sensitivity changes each time information is rewritten due to deterioration of a material of the photothermal conversion agent and the like.

In contrast, the drawing method according to the present embodiment includes performing the following steps on the thermosensitive recording medium 100: first, rendering is performed in a plurality of first areas A1, A2.. An each extending in one direction with a gap therebetween, based on An input image D1; and then detecting a recording state of the first area A1, A2.. An, calculating a difference from the input image, and performing rendering in a second area B1, B2.. Bn with a recording intensity determined based on the difference, the second area B1, B2.. Bn being disposed between the first areas A1, A2.. An and each extending in the one direction. This makes it possible to reduce a hue deviation from an input image due to a variation in recording apparatuses, a deviation from the design of a medium, or the like.

As described above, in the recording layer 112 of the thermosensitive recording medium 100 on which the drawing is performed by the above-described drawing method, a drawn image is formed in which the color difference (Δ A1-B1) between the first area a (e.g., A1 in the first area A1 of fig. 2) and the second area B (e.g., B1 in the second area B1 of fig. 2) adjacent to each other on a straight line in the other direction perpendicular to the one direction is larger than the color difference (Δ A1-A2) between the first areas (e.g., A1 in the first area A1 and A2 in the first area A2 of fig. 2) adjacent to each other on a straight line in the other direction.

As described above, in the present embodiment, first, rendering is performed in some regions of the thermosensitive recording medium 100 (e.g., the first regions A1, A2,. An each extending in one direction with a gap therebetween) based on the rendering signal D1in of the input image D1, and then the difference between the rendered image and the input image is calculated, and rendering is performed in the remaining regions (e.g., the second regions B1, B2,. Bn each extending in the one direction between the first regions A1, A2,. An) with the recording intensity determined based on the difference. Therefore, the hue deviation from the input image is reduced and the display quality can be improved.

In the present embodiment, as described above, it is not necessary to output a gradation correction image before actual rendering (so-called trial printing). In addition, in the above-described rendering method of performing gradation correction by trial printing, it is impossible to cope with a printing medium such as a reversible recording medium whose sensitivity is changed due to repeated writing and deletion. However, the drawing method of the present embodiment can be applied to all recording media on which laser drawing is to be performed.

Next, a second embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described. Hereinafter, components similar to those of the foregoing first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description is omitted as appropriate.

<2 > second embodiment

Fig. 13 shows a flowchart of a rendering method to be executed on a thermosensitive recording medium (thermosensitive recording medium 100) according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 14A to 14C illustrate an example of a drawing process to be performed on the thermosensitive recording medium 100 using the drawing method illustrated in fig. 13. Fig. 15A to 15C illustrate another example of a drawing process to be performed on the thermosensitive recording medium 100 using the drawing method illustrated in fig. 13. The rendering method according to the present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the difference calculation and correction are performed a plurality of times (twice in the present embodiment).

Hereinafter, a drawing method to be performed on the thermosensitive recording medium 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 1, 14A to 14C, and 15A to 15C.

First, the thermosensitive recording medium 100 is prepared and the thermosensitive recording medium 100 is mounted in the drawing device 1. Next, the signal processing circuit 10 selects a light source to be driven based on a signal (drawing signal D1 in) of an input image (for example, input image D1 shown in fig. 5). The signal processing circuit 10 generates a projection image signal for driving the light source selected based on the rendering signal D1 in. The signal processing circuit 10 outputs the generated projection image signal to the laser driving circuit 20 to control the light source unit 30. Thus, for example, multiplexed light Lm1 obtained by appropriately multiplexing a laser light beam La having a light emission wavelength of 760nm, a laser light beam Lb having a light emission wavelength of 860nm, and a laser light beam Lc having a light emission wavelength of 915nm is applied from the set of drawing devices 1 to some of the regions (first regions A1, A2, \8230; an) of the thermal recording medium 100. As a result, rendering with gradation shown in fig. 14A and 15A is performed in the first regions A1, A2, \8230anin a mixed color of magenta, cyan, and yellow (step S201).

Next, the detection unit 70 detects a rendering image of the first area A1, A2, \8230an (step S202). The image information of the drawn image of the first region A1, A2, \8230Anthus obtained is output to the correction unit 80.

Next, the correction unit 80 compares the image information of the drawn image of the first area A1, A2, \8230anwith the image information of the input image to calculate a difference between the drawn image and the input image D1 (step S203). The correction unit 80 determines the recording intensity for the remaining area (second area B1, B2, \8230; bn) on which no rendering was performed in step S201, based on the difference. The determined recording intensity is output to the signal processing circuit 10 as a rendering signal D2 in.

The signal processing circuit 10 selects a light source to be driven based on the drawing signal D2in input from the correction unit 80. The signal processing circuit 10 generates a projection image signal for driving the light source selected based on the rendering signal D2 in. The signal processing circuit 10 outputs the generated projection image signal to the laser driving circuit 20 to control the light source unit 30. Thus, for example, multiplexed light Lm2 obtained by appropriately multiplexing a laser light beam La having a light emission wavelength of 760nm, a laser light beam Lb having a light emission wavelength of 860nm, and a laser light beam Lc having a light emission wavelength of 915nm is applied from the set of drawing devices 1 to the second areas B1, B2, \8230; bn of the thermal recording medium 100. As a result, rendering with the gray scales shown in fig. 14B and 15B is performed in the second areas B1, B2, \8230; bn respectively adjacent to the first areas A1, A2, \8230; an (step S204).

Next, the detection unit 70 detects the drawn images of the first area A1, A2, \8230; an and the second area B1, B2, \8230; bn (step S205). The image information of the drawn images of the first areas A1, A2, \8230aand the second areas B1, B2, \8230anand Bn thus obtained is output to the correction unit 80.

Next, the correction unit 80 compares image information of the drawn image of the first area A1, A2, \8230; an and the second area B1, B2, \8230; bn with image information of the input image to calculate a difference between the drawn image and the input image D1 (step S206). The correction unit 80 determines the recording intensity for the remaining area (third area C1, C2, \8230; cn) on which the rendering is not performed in step S201 and step S204, based on the difference. The determined recording intensity is output to the signal processing circuit 10 as a rendering signal D3 in.

The signal processing circuit 10 selects a light source to be driven based on the drawing signal D3in input from the correction unit 80. The signal processing circuit 10 generates a projection image signal for driving the selected light source based on the rendering signal D3 in. The signal processing circuit 10 outputs the generated projection image signal to the laser driving circuit 20 to control the light source unit 30. Thus, for example, multiplexed light Lm3 obtained by appropriately multiplexing a laser light beam La having a light emission wavelength of 760nm, a laser light beam Lb having a light emission wavelength of 860nm, and a laser light beam Lc having a light emission wavelength of 915nm is applied from the set of drawing devices 1 to the third region C1, C2, \8230cncof the thermosensitive recording medium 100. As a result, rendering with a predetermined gray scale is performed in the third regions C1, C2, \8230;, cn adjacent to the first regions A1, A2, \8230, an and the second regions B1, B2, \8230, bn, respectively (step S207). At this time, as shown in fig. 14B, in the case where the correction is completed by performing the rendering in the second regions B1, B2, \8230; bn, the rendering is performed in the third regions C1, C2, \8230; cn in the gradation of 65 of the input image D1. As shown in fig. 15C, when the correction of the rendering performed in the second region B1, B2, … Bn is insufficient, the rendering with the gradation corrected by the correction is performed.

Therefore, calculation and correction of the difference between the drawn image and the input image can be performed two or more times. As a result, even in the case where there is a significant difference between the theoretical gradation and the actual gradation, a beneficial effect can be achieved such that the gradation correction accuracy can be further improved.

<3. Application example >

Next, an application example of the thermosensitive recording medium 100 described in the foregoing first and second embodiments will be described. However, the configuration of the electronic apparatus described below is merely exemplary, and the configuration may be changed as appropriate. The thermosensitive recording medium 100 may be applied to a part of various electronic devices or various clothing accessories. For example, the thermosensitive recording medium 100 may be applied as a part of clothing accessories such as watches (wristwatches), bags, clothes, hats, helmets, earphones, cups, and shoes as a so-called wearable terminal. Further, the type of the electronic apparatus is not particularly limited, and examples include a wearable display such as a head-up display or a head-mounted display, a portable device such as a portable music player or a portable game machine, a robot, a refrigerator, a washing machine, and the like. In addition, it is applicable not only to electronic devices or clothing accessories but also to the inside and outside of automobiles, the inside and outside of walls of buildings and the like, the outside of fixtures such as tables and the like as ornaments.

(application example 1)

Fig. 16A and 16B each show an appearance of an Integrated Circuit (IC) card having a rewritable function. The IC card has a card surface as the printing surface 210, and includes, for example, the sheet-like thermosensitive recording medium 100 or the like adhered to the card surface. The IC card allows drawing on the printing surface 210 and rewriting and deleting it appropriately by setting the thermosensitive recording medium 100 and the like on the printing surface, as shown in fig. 16A and 16B.

(application example 2)

Fig. 17A shows a configuration of an appearance of a front surface of the smartphone, and fig. 17B shows a configuration of an appearance of a rear surface of the smartphone shown in fig. 17A. The smartphone includes, for example, a display portion 310, a non-display portion 320, and a case 330. This allows patterns of various colors to be displayed as shown in fig. 17B. It should be noted that although a smartphone is exemplified here, this is not limitative; but also, for example, to a notebook Personal Computer (PC), a tablet PC, and the like.

(application example 3)

Fig. 18A and 18B each show the appearance of a bag. The pack includes, for example, a housing portion 410 and a handle 420, and the thermosensitive recording medium 100 is attached to the housing portion 410, for example. Various letters and patterns are displayed on the housing portion 410 by the thermosensitive recording medium 100, for example. Attaching the thermosensitive recording medium 100 and the like to a part of the handle 420 allows patterns of various colors to be displayed, and allows the design of the housing section 410 to be changed from the example of fig. 18A to the example of fig. 18B as shown in the drawing. Useful electronic devices can also be realized for fashion purposes.

(application example 4)

Fig. 19 shows a configuration example of a wrist band capable of recording information of amusement ride experiences, schedule information, and the like, for example, in an amusement park. The wristband includes

belt portions

511 and 512 and an information recording layer 520. The

belt portions

511 and 512 have, for example, a belt shape, and their respective ends (not shown) are configured to be connectable to each other. The thermosensitive recording medium 100 and the like are, for example, adhered to the information recording layer 520, and record, for example, the amusement ride MH2 and the schedule information IS (IS 1 to IS 3) described above, and the information code CD. In an amusement park, a guest can record the above information by waving the wrist band on a drawing device installed at the position where each amusement item takes a reservation point.

The ride experience mark MH1 indicates the number of amusement rides in the amusement park by the guest wearing the wrist band. In this example, as the guest rides more rides, more star markers are recorded as ride experience markers MH1. It should be noted that this is not limiting, for example, the color of the indicia may vary depending on the number of attractions the guest rides.

The schedule information IS indicates in this example the schedule of the guest. In this example, information on all matters including matters booked by the guest and matters to be held in the amusement park IS recorded as the schedule information IS1 to IS3. Specifically, in this example, the name of an attraction (attraction 201) on which the guest subscribes to the ride and the scheduled ride time are recorded as the schedule information IS1. In addition, items such as parades in the garden and the start time of their schedule are recorded as the schedule information IS2. In addition, restaurants that the guest has booked in advance and their scheduled eating times are recorded as the schedule information IS3.

The information code CD records, for example, identification information IID for identifying the wristband and web address information IWS.

(application example 5)

Fig. 20A shows the appearance of the upper surface of the automobile, and fig. 20B shows the appearance of the side surface of the automobile. The thermosensitive recording medium 100 and the like according to the present disclosure as described above may be provided to, for example, a vehicle body such as a hood 611, a bumper 612, a roof 613, a trunk lid 614, a front door 615, a rear door 616, or a rear bumper 617, thereby enabling various information and color patterns to be displayed in various portions. The thermosensitive recording medium 100 and the like are provided inside an automobile, for example, on a steering wheel, an instrument panel, or the like, so that various colors can be displayed.

Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the first and second embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the aspects described in the foregoing embodiments and the like, and the present disclosure may be modified in various ways. For example, all the components described in the foregoing embodiments and the like are not necessarily provided, and any other components may be additionally included. In addition, the materials and thicknesses of the above components are merely examples, and are not limited to the materials and thicknesses described herein.

In addition, in the first embodiment, an example is shown in which the recording layer 112 (the recording layer 112M in fig. 3) is directly provided on the support base 111; however, a layer having a structure similar to the intermediate layer 113 may be added between the support base 111 and the recording layer 112M, for example.

Further, in the first embodiment, an example of the thermosensitive recording medium 100 in which three recording layers 112 (112M, 112C, and 112Y) to be colored in different colors from each other are stacked with

intermediate layers

113 and 114 interposed therebetween is shown, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a reversible recording medium capable of multicolor display in a single-layer structure in which, for example, three types of coloring compounds to be colored in different colors from each other and each enclosed in a microcapsule are mixed may be used. In addition, the present disclosure is not limited to the microcapsules, and, for example, the reversible recording medium includes a recording layer having a fibrous three-dimensional stereo structure. For example, the fiber used herein preferably has a so-called core-sheath structure composed of a core portion including a coloring compound to be colored in a desired color, a developer/color reducer corresponding thereto, and a photothermal conversion agent, and a sheath portion covering the core portion and composed of a thermal insulating material. By forming a three-dimensional stereoscopic structure using a plurality of types of optical fibers having a core-sheath structure and including various coloring compounds to be colored in different colors, a reversible recording medium capable of multicolor display is made possible.

Further, in the above-described embodiments and the like, the thermosensitive recording medium 100 capable of reversibly recording and deleting information is exemplified as the thermosensitive recording medium, but the present technology is not limited to a recording medium capable of reversibly recording and deleting information, but can be applied to all recording media on which laser drawing is to be performed in a non-contact manner.

Note that the present disclosure may have the following configuration. According to the present technology having the following configuration, the following steps are performed on a thermosensitive recording medium including a recording layer (the recording layer includes a colorless pigment and a photothermal conversion agent that absorbs infrared-wavelength light to generate heat): performing rendering in a plurality of first regions based on an input image, the plurality of first regions extending in one direction and having gaps therebetween; and thereafter detecting recording states of the plurality of first regions, calculating a difference from the input image, and performing rendering in a plurality of second regions extending in the one direction and disposed at respective gaps between the plurality of first regions with a recording intensity determined based on the difference. This reduces the hue deviation from the input image due to a change in recording apparatus, deviation from the design of the medium, or the like, and makes it possible to improve the display quality. Accordingly, an image in which a first color difference between a first area and a second area adjacent to each other on a straight line in another direction perpendicular to the one direction is larger than a second color difference between the first areas adjacent to each other on the straight line in the other direction is drawn on the thermosensitive recording medium. It should be noted that the effects described herein are not limiting and any of the effects described in the present disclosure may be provided.

(1)

A drawing method, which is a drawing method for a thermosensitive recording medium including a recording layer containing a colorless pigment and a photothermal conversion agent that absorbs a wavelength in an infrared region to generate heat, the drawing method comprising:

performing rendering in a plurality of first regions each extending in one direction and having a gap from each other based on input image information; after that

Recording states of the plurality of first areas are detected and a difference from the input image information is calculated, and with a recording intensity determined by the difference, rendering is performed in a plurality of second areas each extending in the one direction in each of gaps of the plurality of first areas.

(2)

The drawing method according to (1), wherein drawing is performed in the plurality of first regions and the plurality of second regions using a light beam.

(3)

The rendering method according to (2), wherein the recording intensity is adjusted based on an output of the light beam.

(4)

The rendering method according to any one of (1) to (3), comprising:

performing rendering in the plurality of second regions; after that

Detecting recording states of the plurality of first areas and the plurality of second areas and calculating a difference from the input image information, and performing rendering in a plurality of third areas each extending in the one direction between the plurality of first areas and each of the plurality of second areas according to a recording intensity determined by the difference.

(5)

A thermosensitive recording medium, comprising: a recording layer containing a colorless pigment and a photothermal conversion agent that absorbs a wavelength in the infrared region to generate heat, wherein

The recording layer has:

a plurality of first regions each extending in one direction and having a gap therebetween, an

A plurality of second regions each extending along the one direction and provided in each of the gaps of the plurality of first regions, and

a first color difference between the first area and the second area adjacent on a straight line in another direction perpendicular to the one direction is larger than a second color difference between the plurality of first areas adjacent on a straight line in the other direction.

(6)

The thermosensitive recording medium according to (5), wherein widths of the plurality of first regions and the plurality of second regions in the other direction are each 10 μm or more and 500 μm or less.

(7)

The thermosensitive recording medium according to (5) or (6), wherein the first color difference is larger than a third color difference between two points on a straight line in the one direction of the first areas that are separated by widths of the plurality of first areas in the other direction.

(8)

The thermosensitive recording medium according to any one of (5) to (7), further comprising

A third region that extends in the one direction between the plurality of first regions and each of the plurality of second regions, and has a fourth color difference different from the first color difference and the second color difference on a straight line in the other direction perpendicular to the one direction.

(9)

The thermosensitive recording medium according to any one of (5) to (8), wherein

The recording layer further comprises a developer/color reducer, and

the colorless pigment, the color developer/color reducer, and the photothermal conversion agent are dispersed in a polymer material.

(10)

A rendering device, comprising:

a light source unit emitting a light beam;

a scanner unit that performs drawing by scanning the light beam emitted from the light source unit in a plurality of first regions each extending in one direction and having gaps therebetween and a plurality of second regions each extending in the one direction in each of the plurality of first regions, on a recording layer containing a colorless pigment and a photothermal conversion agent that generates heat by absorbing a wavelength of an infrared region;

a detection unit that detects a recording state of the recording layer; and

a correction unit that determines recording intensity based on a result of the detection unit, wherein

The scanner unit performs scanning in the plurality of first areas based on input image information,

the detection unit detects recording states of the plurality of first areas drawn by the scanner unit and outputs the recording states of the plurality of first areas to the correction unit as image information of the plurality of first areas,

the correction unit calculates a difference between the image information of the plurality of first regions input from the detection unit and the input image information, and determines recording intensities drawn in the plurality of second regions based on the difference, and

the scanner unit performs scanning in the plurality of second areas using the recording intensity determined by the correction unit.

This application claims the benefit of japanese priority patent application JP2018-170076, filed by the japanese patent office on 9, 2018, 11, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations and substitutions may be made in accordance with design requirements and other factors insofar as they are within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A drawing method directed to a thermosensitive recording medium including a recording layer containing a colorless pigment and a photothermal conversion agent that generates heat by absorbing a wavelength in an infrared region, the drawing method comprising:

2. The drawing method according to claim 1, wherein drawing is performed in the plurality of first regions and the plurality of second regions using a light beam.

3. The rendering method of claim 2, wherein the recording intensity is adjusted based on an output of the light beam.

4. The rendering method of claim 1, comprising:

performing rendering in the plurality of second regions; after that

Detecting recording states of the plurality of first areas and the plurality of second areas and calculating a difference from the input image information, and performing rendering in a plurality of third areas each extending in the one direction between each of the plurality of first areas and the plurality of second areas according to a recording intensity determined by the difference.

5. A rendering device, comprising:

a light source unit emitting a light beam;

a detection unit that detects a recording state of the recording layer; and

6. The drawing device according to claim 5, further comprising a thermosensitive recording medium that is scanned by the scanner unit, the thermosensitive recording medium containing the recording layer having the plurality of first areas and the plurality of second areas, wherein

7. The drawing device according to claim 6, wherein widths of the plurality of first regions and the plurality of second regions in the other direction are each 10 μm or more and 500 μm or less.

8. The drawing device according to claim 6, wherein the first color difference is larger than a third color difference between two points on a straight line in the one direction of the first areas that are separated by widths of the plurality of first areas in the other direction.

9. The drawing device according to claim 6, further comprising a third region that extends in the one direction between the plurality of first regions and each of the plurality of second regions, and has a fourth color difference that is different from the first color difference and the second color difference on a straight line in the other direction perpendicular to the one direction.

10. The rendering apparatus of claim 6, wherein

The recording layer further comprises a developer/color reducer, and